College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
City and Regional Planning Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in City and Regional Planning
College - Author 2
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 2
City and Regional Planning Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in City and Regional Planning
Date
3-2026
Primary Advisor
Dave Amos, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, City and Regional Planning Department
Abstract/Summary
This reflective case study examines the purpose and process that has guided the Mission Plaza Enhancement Project. This leads us to our research question:
How do foundational theories of behavior in public space in tandem with evolving community needs shape the motivations and process behind the Mission Plaza Enhancement Project? What lessons can be drawn from observed behavioral patterns and planner perspectives to inform future phases of the plan?
To gain a deeper understanding of what makes a public space successful and how to record and analyze behavior in a public space, we will use foundational planning literature from the mid-20th century through the early 21st century. We expand on these studies by pulling in sources that highlight the shift of social interaction from physical to digital spaces, the rise and fall of third places, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
These major societal shifts make us wonder how they were factored into the design of the Mission Plaza Enhancement Project and how they can be better considered for future phases of the project. We will conduct a preliminary observational study to get an understanding of how the plaza operates before phase 1 of the Enhancement Project is completed. We will interview the planners and designers who worked on the Enhancement project to gain a deeper understanding of the motivation behind the project. Finally, we will provide design and policy recommendations for future improvements to Mission Plaza based on our research.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/crpsp/303